Most Powerful Countries in the World

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The top ten most powerful countries in the world based on the Global Presence Index 2015 are the United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, Russia, France, Japan, Netherland, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Most Powerful Countries in the World (2013)

1. USA - The country tops the list of powerful nations who have projected their influence on the world stage. It accounts for almost 20% of the world's GDP. The US is the largest producer of oil and natural gas and arguably the second largest manufacturer with most influential financial markets.

2. China - The Asian giant, which is expected to outdo the US in 2030. It's economy is second only to the US and spends 2.1 per cent of its GDP on military. It has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since 1971.

3. Germany - Germany has emerged as the leader of Europe after the financial recession from 2008-2012. State-of-the-art technology sector has made Germany the largest economy in the European Union.

4. UK - The UK is easily the most powerful country in Europe as it exerts diplomatic, influence globally. The country has a winning combination of military and industrial prowess

5. Russia - The country's economy is powered by extensive natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and precious metals. Moreover, it's the second largest arms exporter in the world after the US. It exports arms worth $15-20 billion every year.

6. France - As the world's sixth largest economy, France has the largest business district in Europe, La Defense. It is the world leader in developing Nuclear Energy.

7. Japan - Besides being the second largest producer of automobiles in the world, Japan is also a leading producer of electronics, machine tools, textiles, chemical substances, and processed foods.

8. Netherland - As the sixth largest economy in the European Union, the Netherlands serves as a phenomenal transportation hub with stable industrial relations and moderate unemployment. It is also the second largest agricultural exporter.

9. Canada - The second largest country in the world is a large exporter of energy, food and minerals. Canada has world's third largest proven oil reserves and it is also the fifth-largest oil producer in the world. It is an active member of the UN, NATO, and the Commonwealth of Nations.

10. Saudi Arabia - The country is emerging as the new Arab superpower. It is the world's top exporter of oil and has recently got the membership of the World Trade Organization.

According to the report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released in May 2016, military expenditure in North America and Western Europe has declined in the last year. There was a substantial increase in military expenditure of countries in Asia, Africa, and Central & Eastern Europe. Heightened tensions with neighboring countries and change in market value of currencies are some of the factors to raise or cut the military expenditure of a particular nation or region. The defense spending of the United States is roughly equivalent to the next seven largest (China, India, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Kingdom) military expenditures combined. Here are the world's top 10 countries with largest military budget –

USA:The United States is commonly known as the most powerful country in the World. The country heads the UN's list of countries by GDP and its military budget accounts for nearly 40% of global arms spending. America also maintains the most number of military bases on foreign soil.

China: The most populous country in the world, China continues to expand its global sphere of influence by flexing its economic and military might. Though, as of now it ranks significantly below the US in technological and foreign affairs capabilities, many analysts predict that it is poised to overtake the US as the most powerful country in the world in 2030.

Germany: Germany is known for its steady economy, which ranks fourth worldwide, as well as its innovative technology sector. The country has boosted its defense spending in this financial year to 39.4 billion dollars; although it is considerably lower compared to its nominal GDP.

United Kingdom: Placed in the top seven economies of the world by GDP rankings, the UK continues to exercise influence through its leadership of commonwealth countries. The UK is also the world's sixth-largest military spender and has the second largest defense spending in NATO.

Russia: The military budget of the Russian Federation – the world's largest country in area – is the highest in Europe. With 65.6 billion dollars, its defense spending in 2016 is about 14% when compared with the United States.

France: France is an influential nation with a high standard of living and strong involvement in international issues. Though, France ranks fairly low in energy security, its recognition as a permanent member of the UN Security Council enhances its position in global diplomacy. The country allocated the military budget of 2.1% of its national GDP, which is roughly the same as India.

Japan: Japan's strong economy ranks fourth worldwide, aided by its automobile industry, and science and technology. Japan spends the fifth highest amount on its military and defense budget, despite officially renouncing its right to declare war. Though Japan is a small country in area, it has the 11th highest population worldwide.

Saudi Arabia: Despite a decline in the global market value of crude oil, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has weathered the crisis with ease. The Middle Eastern nation spends 13.7 % of its GDP on defense budget, which is the largest share of GDP in top 10 military budgets. According to this report, it is the world's second largest arms importer.

India: India allocated defense spending of 51.3 billion, which is approximately 2.3 percent of its overall GDP. India is placed sixth on the top nations with military expenditure, a place up from last year. The country has made some notable weapon deals in this year in order to modernize its armed forces.

South Korea: With a military expenditure of USD36.49 billion in 2016, South Korea is the tenth most powerful country in the world. The Asian country has the second-largest number of reserve troops and spends about 2.6 % of its nominal GDP on national security.

Brazil, Italy, Australia, UAE, and Israel are other global superpowers that rank among the most powerful countries in the world.

Top Ten Powerful Nations 2013 (According to Global Presence)

Top Ten Powerful Nations 2013 (According to Global Presence)

RANK

POWERFUL COUNTRIES

GLOBAL PRESENCE INDEX 2013

1

United States

1041.7

2

Germany

386.1

3

United Kingdom

367.8

4

China

334.4

5

France

308.2

6

Russia

281

7

Japan

241.7

8

Netherlands

212.7

9

Canada

203.6

10

Italy

172.4

SOURCE:ELCANO GLOBAL PRESENCE REPORT 2014

Top Ten Powerful Countries Ranking (2012)

Top Ten Powerful Countries Ranking (2012)

Country

Capital City

Continent

Currency

National Power Index

Ranking (NPI)

United States

Washington DC

North America

US Dollar

77.77

1

China

Beijing

Asia

Yuan/Renminbi

58.66

2

Russia

Moscow

Europe

Ruble

43.36

3

France

Paris

Europe

Euro (Formerly French Franc)

43.24

4

Japan

Tokyo

Asia

Yen

42.9

5

UK

London

Europe

Pound Sterling

41.42

6

Germany

Berlin

Europe

Euro (Formerly Deutsche Mark)

39.77

7

India

New Delhi

Asia

Indian Rupee

35.4

8

Canada

Ottawa

North America

Canadian Dollar

32.86

9

Israel

Jerusalem

Asia

Israeli new shekel

32.19

10

Source: National Power Index 2012: Foundation for National Security Research

NOTE: National Power Index (NPI) 2012 is a comprehensively revised version of the previous National Security Indexes published in India’s National Security Annual Review (INSAR) series since 2002.

The National Power Index is a comprehensive list that ranks the countries of the world according to a composite index which combines statistical analysis of the Economic, Military, Population, Technology, Energy Security, and Foreign Affairs capabilities of a country. Each of these factors is given a certain weightage and the overall composite index is prepared after detailed analysis of the individual components.